Though the team did not make any injury mention in the announcement, Pierce hurt his ankle Sunday against the New York Knicks. After icing his right ankle in the fourth quarter, Pierce said it was "just a little sore" and "shouldn't be a problem."

The forward, who did not make the trip to Minnesota with his teammates, will be replaced in the starting lineup by Courtney Lee.

That leaves the banged-up Celtics with a starting five of Lee, Avery Bradley, Jeff Green, Brandon Bass and Chris Wilcox.

A staggering fact: With Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett out due to injury, Celtics out of the lineup Monday have combined for 29 career All-Star appearances. Garnett will miss his sixth straight game with foot inflammation.

The Timberwolves are likewise torn apart by injuries, but announced that center Nikola Pekovic is expected to return Monday night.

Update:

Doc wouldn't say much about Paul sitting out except to say it wasn't bad news. He said Paul for sure will play Wednesday.